Storage of Wines

While a nicely aged wine is something to be enjoyed, it does not come without careful thought and consideration. Proper wine storage will make a difference in flavour, colour and character, for both the novice wine drinker and the experienced wine connoisseur. Wine is perishable. A bottle of vodka will not go bad due to its high alcohol content but wines alcohol content however is not high enough to prevent it spoiling. Even bottles kept for just a few months can be affected by how they are stored.The majority of wines today are "ready to drink" varieties (especially the less expensive ones). These wines will not improve and should be consumed within six to twelve months of bottling.

Here is some wine storage information to help you get the most from your favourite bottle.

Temperature

This is the single most important factor influencing the development of your wine. For optimum storing and aging wine should be housed in an area where the temperature stays at a constant temperature in the 55-60 Fahrenheit range. Avoid higher temperatures as this ages the wine considerably. There are also other chemical changes that take place in the bottle that also start to spoil the wine.

Humidity

This is important to maintain the efficiency of your cork. The corks purpose is to keep the air out. When oxygen comes into contact with wine, oxidation occurs, which over a short period of time will degrade the wine. A wine bottle stored in an environment where the humidity is 70% will assure that the cork keeps its shape and thus remains expanded, keeping a good seal.

Darkness

Store your wine in an area that is dark so that ultra violet light does not destroy your wine. That is why a cellar is ideal for wine storage. Also this is why most wine is traditionally stored in coloured glass bottles. Wine stored in darkness is more likely to maintain its clarity.

Vibration

It is important to store your wine there is no vibration. Vibration interferes with aging and stirs up sediment that settles out in the maturing process.

Aromas

The cork of a wine bottle is porous; therefore, your storage area should be free of chemicals, food and household odours. Strong scents can be absorbed through your cork thus ruining the flavour of your wine.

Storage Angle

Wine bottles should be always stored horizontally or with the cork facing slightly downwards. This will keep the wine in constant contact with the cork ensuring no air gets into the bottle.Screw cap bottles can be stored upright due to being hermetically sealed.

Open Bottles

Once opened do your best to finish your bottle in a short period of time (2-3 days maximum). Friends will normally volunteer to help you out finishing the bottle.

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